Disney World was scouted by Orlando gunman Omar Mateen as possible terror target

Omar Mateen, the Isil-inspired gunman who murdered 49 people at a gay nightclub in Florida, had scouted the Disney World resort in Orlando as a possible target before he carried out America’s worst mass shooting.

Mateen, 29, and his wife went to the tourist attraction – visited by thousands of Britons every week – in April, with Mateen paying particular attention to the Disney Springs shopping area, which has lower level security than the theme parks, reported People magazine.

Watch | Video captures the moment of gunfire in Orlando shooting

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Security at America’s various theme parks was being stepped up last night as a result, and the Metropolitan Police said it was increasing patrols around gay and lesbian pubs and clubs, as well as reviewing security for the Pride event on June 25.

It emerged on Monday that Mateen had been under investigation by the FBI for 10 months in 2013, when he was working as a security guard at a courthouse in Florida.

He said he hoped the police would raid his home and assault his wife and child “so he could martyr himself”, but later claimed he only said it to get back at colleagues for discriminating against him for being a Muslim.

The investigation was dropped. Police said the three-hour siege at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando ended when Mateen told them he was wearing a suicide vest and they decided to smash down a wall to rescue hostages. He did not have any explosives.

Buckingham Palace said the Queen had sent a message to President Barack Obama saying: "Prince Philip and I have been shocked by the events in Orlando. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected."